2017 Honda Clarity FCV will have hybrid siblings you can actually buy

Honda plans to roll out plug-in hybrid and EV variants of the Clarity nameplate

Honda’s formerly hydrogen fuel-cell-exclusive Clarity nameplate will soon include full-electric and plug-in hybrid variants, as well as the regional FCV hydrogen version.

With the Clarity FCV still limited to California due to hydrogen infrastructure, Honda will recoup some of the vehicle development costs by offering a more accessible plug-in hybrid version, as well as a zero-emissions EV. The expanded lineup will start spreading the Clarity name around the country starting in 2018.

Much like the Accord Hybrid, the Clarity will come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of semi-autonomous technology consisting of adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and autonomous braking. The EV Clarity probably won’t see work east of California, but the plug-in hybrid version will be available across the country. Range from the EV is still under wraps, but Honda is happy to boast about the 40-mile electric range of the plug-in hybrid. Battery details will trickle out as the vehicle gets closer to release.